April 17, 2012

A May 8 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension crop scout training course will provide crop scouts an opportunity to enhance their skills.

The training is designed for entry level scouts who will be working for crop consultants, industry agronomists or farm service centers across Nebraska and neighboring states, said Keith Glewen, UNL Extension educator.

The course is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with registration at 8:30 a.m. at the university's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

"Past participants have consistently given the training high marks and state that the knowledge gained from attending improved their scouting skills," Glewen said.

Topics include: how corn and soybean plants grow and develop, soybean and corn insect management, insect quiz, identifying weeds — plant morphology, using a key to identify weed seedlings, crop diseases and quiz, and nutrient deficiencies.

"Some of the benefits registrants stated the training provided included practical/working knowledge and better accuracy in field scouting," Glewen said. "Other participants appreciated the hands-on, practical format."

Cost is $125. Fees include lunch, refreshment breaks, workshop materials and instruction manual. Registrants should preregister to reserve their seat and to ensure workshop materials are available the day of the training session. Updated reference materials are included in this year's take home instruction manual.

A total of 5.5 Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Units is anticipated in the integrated pest management (4.0), crop management (1.0) and fertility/nutrient management (.5) categories.

For more information or to register, contact the ARDC, CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, 68033, call 402-624-8000, fax 402-624-8010, email cdunbar2@unl.edu.

The training is part of the UNL Extension Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics and is sponsored by extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Additional diagnostic clinics include:

• Mid-Summer Diagnostic Clinic – July 17;
• Mid-Summer Diagnostic Clinic – July 18; and
• Late Season Diagnostic Clinic – Aug. 30.

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